Planners’ Picks — July 7, 2026
We’re past the Independence Day celebrations and moving further into the heat of summer with ways to connect, to flourish, and to become more likable. A warm welcome to any recent PSM grads who just joined the newsletter, too! It’s great to see this community continue to grow.
:: Image of the Week
Want to be a better communicator? Here’s a simple perspective shift that can help: think about how hard it can be for you to put words to your feelings, thoughts, and requests. Taking what’s inside and getting it out in an authentic, truthful way is tough.
We’re so familiar with how it feels to us — but often forget that our conversation partner is simultaneously experiencing the same struggles. This recognition can power our empathy and compassion, paving the way for a better connection where both individuals can express what matters most.
Here are a few ways to practice.
Be present. The more you pay attention to what they’re saying, the more likely it is that you can extend empathy.
Ask questions. When they say something, dig in:
- “Can you tell me a bit more about that?”
- “How did you feel when that happened?”
Check in on your understanding. One of the greatest barriers to good communication is making assumptions. To avoid this, use phrases like:
- “It sounds like you’re saying you want [x], is that right?”
- “What I’m hearing from you is you’re feeling [x], is that true?”
- “To make sure I understand, here’s what I think you’re asking me to do, did I get it or did I miss anything?”
From thenewhappy.com
“If facts are the seeds that later produce knowledge and wisdom, then the emotions and the impressions of the senses are the fertile soil in which the seeds must grow.” – Rachel Carson
:: Kindness in Leadership
The Power of Connection
What if one of the greatest gifts we can give another person isn’t advice, solutions, or even our time? What if it’s connection?
In this episode of The Kindness Advantage, Cindy Rowe explores why human connection is one of our most fundamental needs and how kindness serves as the bridge that brings people together.
As part three of a series on belonging, inclusion, and connection, Cindy shares research on loneliness, relationships, emotional well-being, and the powerful role connection plays in our physical and mental health.
You’ll discover:
• Why human connection is essential for happiness and well-being
• The surprising health impacts of loneliness and social isolation
• Research from the Harvard Study of Adult Development on relationships and life satisfaction
• How small acts of kindness create meaningful connections
• Practical ways to strengthen relationships at work, at home, and in your community
• Why presence, curiosity, and follow-up matter more than you think
In a world where many people feel disconnected despite being constantly connected online, this episode offers a reminder that meaningful connection doesn’t require grand gestures. It starts with simple moments of kindness.
A conversation. A check-in. A smile. A text message.
Kindness isn’t just about making people feel good. It’s about helping people feel less alone.
Connection doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built on one small act of kindness at a time.
If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend and subscribe to The Kindness Advantage for more conversations on kindness, emotional intelligence, leadership, belonging, well-being, and human connection.
:: CSN’s Book of the Week Recommendation
Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better
“I thought David Epstein’s first two books were brilliant, but Inside the Box is his best. I’ll never think about my own work the same way again.” —Malcolm Gladwell
How do we do more with less? From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Range, why limits are the key to stimulating creativity, innovation, collaboration, and personal contentment.
We live in a world that gives us seemingly infinite choices and prizes freedom above all else. We have an unprecedented number of options regarding what to do, who to be, and how to spend our time. All that choice is wonderful; it is also overwhelming. The irony is that total freedom can be paralyzing, and unlimited resources don’t necessarily lead to the biggest breakthroughs. In fact, overvaluing complete freedom can be disastrous for everything from starting a company to harnessing creativity to finding personal satisfaction.
David Epstein argues that all of us—individuals, businesses, institutions, even societies—can benefit from narrowing our options. He dives into the science and practice of constraints, exploring exactly when and how guardrails can be beneficial, whether we’re working with limited resources or using self-imposed boundaries to tap unexpected wells of focus and innovation.
Original, galvanizing, and deeply researched, Inside the Box tells absorbing stories of people and organizations that embraced constraints to transform themselves, and the world—as well as a few that struggled from a lack of limits. Epstein reveals how boundaries create breakthroughs, and how setting the right constraints can help you become the most creative, productive, and satisfied version of yourself.
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/737494/inside-the-box-by-david-epstein
:: Recognition and Appreciation
Gratitude Alters Heart and Mind – Literally
Gratitude is far more than a positive emotion. It is a biological upgrade for both the brain and the heart.
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley found that regularly expressing gratitude—such as writing thank-you letters—can create lasting changes in the brain. Using brain imaging technology, they discovered increased activity in the medial prefrontal cortex, a region involved in empathy, emotional regulation, learning, and decision-making. Even more fascinating, these neurological benefits were still present months after the gratitude practice had ended, suggesting that gratitude can literally help train the brain toward greater resilience and emotional well-being.
But the story does not end in the brain. Read the rest of Kelechi’s post here:
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:share:7474985479164203009
“You’ll never find a rainbow if you’re looking down.” — Charlie Chaplin
:: Work Culture & Team Development
Radical Candor – Is Criticism Dangerous?
This post from Kim Scott, author of Radical Candor and Radical Respect:
“I spent an hour talking with Daniel Coyle about his new book, Flourish, and we ran straight into a disagreement I love.
Daniel brought up the work of John and Julie Schwartz Gottman, who studied thousands of couples and named what they call the four horsemen of relationship apocalypse. One of those four horsemen is criticism.
That stopped me. I have spent years telling managers that criticism is one of the most caring things you can give someone. So who’s right?
We both are. We were using the same word for two different things.
What the Gottmans call criticism is an attack on a person’s character. “You are so lazy.” What I mean by criticism is naming a specific behavior and its effect. “When the laundry stays on the floor, I get frustrated.” One damages the relationship. The other strengthens it.
One thing to try this week: before you give someone hard feedback, check whether you are describing a behavior or labeling a person. “You’re careless” is a label. “There were three errors in the report, and the client caught them” is a behavior. Same candor. Completely different result.
Daniel and I went a lot further than this in the conversation, including the story of 33 miners trapped underground and the surprising moment that helped them survive. Take a listen.”
https://www.radicalcandor.com/podcast/daniel-coyle-8-13?_hsmi=31610249
:: Communication
Why the most valuable skill at work might be talking to strangers
We’re warned to not talk to strangers, but a new book reviewed by Michael Lee Stallard argues that we could be missing valuable connections.
Most of us have been there: you’re waiting for a meeting to start, standing at the coffee station, or riding the elevator with someone you vaguely recognize but have never spoken to. A part of you thinks, I could say something. And then another part of you talks you out of it. What if they don’t want to talk? What if I say something awkward? What if it just gets weird? So you pull out your smartphone, and the moment passes. (My wife would not have let the moment pass, but I’ll get to that later.)
As it turns out, those fears are not just common — they are also wildly irrational. That is one of the central arguments of Dr. Gillian Sandstrom’s compelling new book, Once Upon a Stranger: How “Small Talk” Can Add Up to a Big Life. Sandstrom is an associate professor in the psychology of kindness at the University of Sussex, and she has spent years studying what happens when people connect, especially with those they don’t yet know.
“All really great things are happening in slow and inconspicuous ways.” – Leo Tolstoy
:: Self-Leadership Development
3 Forces Are Redefining the Transition from Manager to Leader
The seven shifts that define the move from functional to enterprise leadership remain similar to those introduced in a classic 2012 HBR article. But today’s dynamic business environment means that the shifts now require different capabilities. Generative AI, geopolitical instability, and a compressed leadership pipeline have made organization-spanning jobs more complex, forcing leaders to exercise judgment amid algorithmic uncertainty, regulatory volatility, and less preparation. As a result, they must do more than broaden their business perspective: they must govern human-AI decision systems, practice dynamic rather than static strategy, design hybrid operating models, and cut through noise to set a few priorities. Organizations must also change their development and assessment practices to give high potentials more exposure to AI governance, geopolitical complexity, and enterprise-level trade-offs.
“Analyze and imitate; no other school is necessary.” – Raymond Chandler
A philosopher’s 5 tips on how to become the most likeable person in the room
Here’s a rather humorous article on interacting with those around you (and hopefully not reeking.)
Some takeaways:
- In 1751, David Hume argued that being well-liked reduces social friction and that good manners are really a system of mutual support.
- These days, being antisocial or rude won’t (often) get you killed, but it can make you unhappy and life more difficult.
- Hume’s advice was to be attentive, lighten the mood, let others shine, read the room, and be aware of the physical space.
:: Curiosity
Curiosity Is a Defining Trait of Highly Successful Leaders
Who is the most curious person you know? Maybe it’s a kid who asks a million questions or a teacher you had in high school who always seemed to go the extra mile in leading class discussions.
You might not guess that the person you’re thinking of has a lot in common with the world’s most successful people. Inquisitiveness is a defining characteristic among high achievers, such as CEOs, executives, and professional athletes.
While curiosity seems like an innate personality trait, it’s actually a skill that anyone can, and should, strengthen. It doesn’t require an advanced degree, an impressive paycheck, or access to influential decision-makers. Curiosity is free, but its value is priceless.
https://www.inc.com/marcel-schwantes/curiosity-highly-successful-leaders-develop-easy-steps/91360722
:: Culture
Building A Community of Dreamers: The Art of Gathering with Priya Parker
Check out this replay of the recent DreamBank presentation from author Priya Parker on how to create gatherings and group events that actually work. Use her advice in planning your next team meeting, campus event, or party. Priya’s book was the inspiration for CSN to plan last summer’s 10-year anniversary celebration, and we appreciate her advice.
This recording will self-destruct (literally) at the end of May, so check it out soon!
:: Upcoming Events
Applications opened July 6 for IT Leaders Program
UW–Madison IT supervisors and managers: applications for the 2026–27 IT Leaders Program (ITLP) opened July 6 and close July 13. ITLP is a 10-month cohort program with workshops, coaching, and applied learning designed for managers, directors, and team leads. Join the office hours on July 8 at noon to learn more about the program and application process.
CSN’s Summer Book Club: The Octopus Organization
Three sessions. Three big ideas. One smarter way to lead.
This summer, the Campus Supervisors Network is exploring The Octopus Organization, a book that reimagines how teams create clarity, build ownership, and strengthen accountability in a rapidly changing workplace. You can still register for the remaining stand-alone session and get in on learning with your peers!
We’ll break the book into three one‑hour sessions, each focused on one of its three core parts and 36 antipatterns:
- PART 1 — Creating Clarity (June 16: 1:00-2:00 pm) (Passed)
- PART 2 — Increasing Ownership (July 9: 1:00-2:00 pm) (Passed)
- PART 3 — Inciting Curiosity (July 23: 1:00-2:00 pm)
Join our one remaining session — We are sharing instructions to access the book through the UW–Madison Libraries, so no purchase is required.
This is a great chance to connect with colleagues and sharpen your leadership practice in a low‑pressure, high‑impact format.
Next steps will be communicated to all registrants before each session.
Register here: https://go.wisc.edu/t565w7
Access The Octopus Organization at UW-Library: Steps to download “The Octopus Organization” from EBSCO
The book’s introduction: The Octopus Organization Introduction
ForwardFest 2026 Line-up Announced!
The Forward Festival is Wisconsin’s largest technology and entrepreneurship festival, attracting more than 5,000 attendees and serving as host for more than 40 events over 5 days every August.
Forward Fest 2026 will run August 17 – 21 in Madison, Wisconsin.
Now in its 16th year, it’s the state’s flagship celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship for business folks, nerds, social impact innovators, foodies, hackers, entrepreneurs, creatives, problem-solvers, community supporters, and more from across the Midwest.
Whether you’re already plugged into the Midwest scene or you’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to sample what the area has to offer, Forward Fest is about bringing the technology and startup communities together to learn, share, and have some fun. The Forward Festival provides the rare opportunity to interact with professionals across a wide range of disciplines and at a variety of events, and is open to everyone.
Many of the events are free to attend! https://forwardfest.org/about
Some recommended sessions:
How We Show Up Matters with Kim Walters
Technical expertise gets you in the room. How you show up determines what happens next.
In this interactive session, consultants will examine the attitudes, assumptions, and habits they bring into client and colleague relationships, and how those choices shape trust, collaboration, and results. Through meaningful dialogue with peers, you’ll uncover blind spots that may be limiting connection or effectiveness in your work.
Date: Monday, August 17, 2026, 1:00-3:00 pm online
https://forwardfest2026.sched.com/event/2P0Ej/how-we-show-up-matters?iframe=no
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026, 8:00-10:00 am in-person @ Willy Street Coop, 1128 Williamson Street, Madison
https://forwardfest2026.sched.com/event/2P0Eg/how-we-show-up-matters?iframe=no
Bridging Generations at Work: Leading Multigenerational Teams Through Technology & Change
Bridging Generations at Work is a dynamic, beginner-friendly session designed to help leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals successfully navigate generational differences while driving meaningful progress through technology. This session will explore how communication styles, expectations, and comfort with technology vary across generations, and how these differences can either hinder or accelerate success.
Thursday, August 20, 2026, 12:30-2:30 pm at Delta Beer Lab, Madison
https://forwardfest2026.sched.com/event/2P0Ej/how-we-show-up-matters?iframe=no
The Power of Connection: Creating Lasting Friendships in an Increasingly Lonely World
Join the Middleton Library in a virtual conversation with bestselling author Dr. Marisa Franco, one of the world’s leading experts in human connection. Her book, Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make–And Keep–Friends, explores the science of different attachment styles and how they impact our relationships–often in ways we don’t realize!
How do we make and keep friends in an era of distraction, burnout, and chaos, especially in a society that often prizes romantic love at the expense of other relationships? In Platonic, Dr. Marisa G. Franco unpacks the latest, often counterintuitive findings about the bonds between us—for example, why your friends aren’t texting you back (it’s not because they hate you!), and the myth of “friendships happening organically” (making friends, like cultivating any relationship, requires effort!). As Dr. Franco explains, to make and keep friends, you must understand your attachment style—secure, anxious, or avoidant: it is the key to unlocking what’s working (and what’s failing) in your friendships.
Making new friends and deepening longstanding relationships is possible at any age—in fact, it’s essential. The good news: there are specific, research-based ways to improve the number and quality of your connections using the insights of attachment theory and the latest scientific research on friendship. Platonic provides a clear and actionable blueprint for forging strong, lasting connections with others—and for becoming our happiest, most fulfilled selves in the process.
Register today to learn more about how to harness the science of human connection to create cultures of belonging.
Date: Tuesday, July 28th 2026
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM CDT
Register here: https://libraryc.org/midlibrary/178126?uMarketingSource=_LSC_ME_06_2